The advantages of competing in college sports are both immediate and lifelong. Participating in college sports provides opportunities to learn, compete and succeed. Student-athletes receive top-notch academic support, quality medical care and regular access to outstanding coaching, facilities and equipment. Student-athletes as a group graduate at higher rates than their peers in the general student body and feel better prepared for life after college.

College-bound student-athletes preparing to enroll in a Division I or Division II school need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center to ensure they have met amateurism standards and are academically prepared for college coursework.

Division I schools, on average, enroll the most students, manage the largest athletics budgets, offer a wide array of academic programs and provide the most athletics scholarships. Click here for information on time demands for Division I student-athletes.

Division II schools provide growth opportunities through academic achievement, high-level competition and a focus on community engagement. Click here for information on time demands for Division II student-athletes.

Division III schools provide an integrated environment focusing on academic success while offering a competitive athletics environment. If you are planning to attend a Division III school, you do not need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.

Know before you go:

Hoping to go pro? For most student-athletes, the experiences of college sports and the life lessons they learn along the way help them pursue careers in business, education, athletics administration, communications, law, medicine and many more fields.